Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS February 6th:
Registration opens 13th February for Ocean to City – An Rás Mór 2026 in Cork Harbour, Saturday 30th May 2026

Rowers and paddlers from Ireland and abroad are invited to take part in Ocean to City - An Rás Mór 2026, with registration opening on Friday 13 February for Ireland’s flagship long-distance rowing and paddling race.

Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Picture Clare Keogh.

Taking place on Saturday 30 May 2026, Ocean to City sends crews on a challenging and memorable journey through Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, finishing in the heart of Cork City. The race is the highlight of the annual Cork Harbour Festival and regularly attracts hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators.

Ocean to City is actively inclusive, bringing together traditional fixed-seat rowing boats such as currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats, alongside modern ocean rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats and stand-up paddleboards. Participants range from highly competitive crews to clubs and community boats taking on the challenge together, drawing entries from across the world as well as local communities.

Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Picture Clare Keogh.

The event offers four race distances; 28km (Ocean Course), 22km (City Course), 13km (Monkstown Course) and a 4km Youth Course. Traditional and fixed-seat boats compete in a handicap pursuit format, inspired by London’s Great River Race, while paddling and sliding-seat classes race in dedicated categories with prizes.

Ocean to City is organised by Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard and Maritime Training Centre in Cork City, and is run on a not-for-profit basis.

Early Bird registration opens on Friday 13 February 2026. Entry fees increase after 13 March 2026.

Crews are encouraged to register early to take advantage of reduced entry rates and to review participant information and race regulations in advance.

For registration and full race information, visit: https://oceantocity.com/registration/

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